Healthy Choice Voice: Living Without “Dirty Habits”

Trying to be healthy is a resolution that people make every year, month, week, and day. Living a healthy lifestyle is difficult, especially to those who are not used to it and the commitment that it takes to live with this decision. There are temptations that set you off track, time constraints that leave you feeling like you have no choice, and a McDonald’s that is conveniently located on every corner when you’re hungry and on your way home. Don’t be discouraged; we are all human and most of us like fried Oreos and milkshakes too. However, a few simple changes to your lifestyle and diet can have you living a healthier life within a few days.

The first step is to see what your dirty habits are. Dirty habits can include fried food, sweets, energy drinks, cigarettes, and anything else could end up polluting your body. These habits are the most addictive and something that you do, eat, or drink without thinking twice. Dirty habits can be your favorite thing in the world, but sometimes what you want is not necessarily good for you.

The second step is to try and live without these dirty habits that are keeping you back from your goal of healthy living. If you can go a few days without them, then you can go a few more, and a few more, until you notice you can go almost forever without your dirty habit.

The third step is to try to change your diet little by little. Try replacing the bread and rice you might eat with plantains and sweet potatoes instead, cook with olive or coconut oil, eat an apple a day to cleanse your body, try to drink more water than usual, and try using more raw fruits and veggies to cook with rather than processed foods. Eat oatmeal without the flavoring and instead, sweeten it with honey, raisins, nuts, or even pure cacao.

Drink your snacks. Instead of reaching for chips, candy, or a Hungry Man’s TV dinner, try making a huge smoothie with frozen bananas and fruits and spinach. This will fulfill your cravings, you will feel energetic, and it is easier for the body to digest.

Changing your diet is not the only important aspect of being healthy, you must change your everyday routine also. Add some body movement for at least an hour to your everyday schedule. This includes running, Pilates, yoga, lifting weights, dancing, and other body-moving activities. Exercising releases endorphins into your body. Endorphins make you happy, and when you are happy you are more energetic, and when you are more energetic you want to do more, and when you do more things you become happy with your exercise routines.

You will look better, feel more confident, and soon the days of eating Hot Cheetos and drinking Mountain Dew every other day will be behind you. Try some of these tips and see how much your lifestyle and standard of living changes. Remember, this is a process. This can be hard or it can be easy, but everyone has their own struggles. Be you, be healthy, and be happy.